Cathedral Cove
One of the first things that grabs your attention in New Zealand is the paradoxical element of the country's landscape. You can be driving through thick, green, luscious forests that conjure images of what one imagines the Amazon to look like, but then on the next corner you take you will looking out into clear blue water making waves on white sandy beaches. It's like being in two completely different countries at once.
Coromandel was the first place we drove to after Auckland, and it was the perfect haven away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The weather was glorious ( January) and the sea wasn't too cold either. If you love to jump against waves or go bodyboarding, this is the place to do it.
Where to go : Miranda - Although not technically on the Coromandel Peninsular, if you're heading there from Auckland, it's a great place to stop the night purely for the hot springs. Stock up as there's nothing at all in Miranda, but the Top 10 Holiday Park is probably one of the best we'd stayed at ; tennis courts, hot springs pool, bike hire, shop, great facilities.
Hot Water Beach - If your a person who doesn't like doing 'touristy' things, don't go here. Be prepared to be greeted with a good 100 odd people, shovels in hand, dig dig digging. Aside from the crowds, this is great fun. You hire a shovel for $5 ( with a $20 deposit which you get back), and dig yourself a hole near the hot stream (60c) that runs into the sea. It may take some time, but it's worth it.
Cathedral Cove - This beautiful cove even involves a mini trek through forest to get to, making a great two for one attraction. It's an extremely pretty beach, although the waves are a little crazy so take caution when swimming. Parking can also get a little hectic so we believe that going really early, or late afternoon is your best bet.
Where to stay: Miranda Top 10 Holiday Park ($46 a night for 2 people/unpowered tent site), Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park ($46 a night for 2 people/station wagon), Broken Hills DOC campsite ($20 a night for 2 people/ station wagon)
There are several DOC campsites in Coromandel which are the best options for budget backpackers with tents/campervans. DOC campsites have basic facilities, but are always surrounded in amazing scenery and very very cheap. You can check the locations of DOC sites here : www.doc.govt.nz
Highs : Beaches, hiking, scenery
Lows : Very hilly which does not bode well for old cars
T2S
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